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Retail-level manufacturers usually want to maximize system configuration options, so their motherboards are likely to be easier to tweak. In contrast, prebuilt systems from larger OEMs and system integrators often lack advanced user-definable options. Prebuilt systems are engineered for maximum stability across the widest range of users, so the incentive to allow user configuration of hardware is limited.
Taiwan-based Abit Computer Corporation is perhaps the most popular of these retail-level companies. Its motherboard designs support many customizable options. Companies like Asus, Epox, Gigabyte, and Transcend also offer great designs for the enthusiast market. Nearly all motherboards allow some overclocking, either through hardware or software. Feature sets vary widely, however, even among similar motherboard models from the same manufacturer.
Motherboards may contain only some of the features that would facilitate overclocking. Optimal support would include the ability to manipulate the processor's multiplier, configure processor-to-chipset bus speeds, and set processor core and motherboard input/output voltages. A feature called active thermal monitoring, which uses onboard sensors to maintain optimum temperature at extended operating speeds, also promotes stability and improves overclocking capability.
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